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UN DESA VOICE MARCH 2025

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, VOL. 29, NO. 3 – MARCH 2025

Statisticians come together with a shared vision to secure trusted data

“Data are critically important for everyone,” says Stefan Schweinfest, Director of UN DESA’s Statistics Division. “All the decisions that you take in your life, you’re basing them on data,” he stressed, as we spoke on the important work of the UN Statistical Commission. On 4-7 March 2025, some 600 statisticians from across the world will come together at UN Headquarters in New York to ensure better data, better lives.

From everyday choices – what clothes to wear based on temperature data; or what route to take when commuting; to informing decisions that matter for improving peoples’ lives – it is all based on data. “You need to know how many people you have in your country and what groups you have to take particular care of,” Mr. Schweinfest said, explaining the importance of data in managing services like health care and education.

Commission to focus on two big topics this year

A veteran in the statistical community, we met Mr. Schweinfest on the eve of the Commission’s 56th session. He shared that two big topics will be addressed this year – the 2025 Systems of National Accounts, and the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Programme.

“We will adopt a new system of national accounts,” he explained, describing its most recognized element, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “The system of national accounts is the guidebook to measure your economy the same way, whether you are in Mongolia or in Paraguay,” he said, noting that using the same statistical language enables countries to successfully exchange information and experiences.

“Every decade, the United Nations calls and declares a census round,” Mr. Schweinfest continued, describing the process of countries committing to counting their people. The census will help the international community better understand where people live and what their living conditions are, which later forms the basis for policy advice and decisions. “At the end, we will have good numbers for all of the countries and the whole world,” he explained.

Combining census data with economic trends

Mr. Schweinfest also outlined the possibilities when pairing census data with economic trends.

“With the system of national accounts, you understand where income is generated, which activities generate income and how the income is distributed in your population,” he said. He also described how this process can help countries intervene when needed to make sure that the well-being of people as well as the environment are protected.

Mr. Schweinfest also emphasized that the work on going beyond GDP to make nature count, is part of ongoing efforts in the statistical community, integrating economic and environmental accounting.

How data helps advance sustainable development

“I’m very proud of the statistical community,” Mr. Schweinfest said, as we discussed the role the statistical community plays in advancing sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“I think the deliberate decision in 2015 was to make the development agenda an accountability framework. That’s why it was structured in goals, targets and indicators. And whilst the goals and targets obviously come from the political sphere, the indicators were really managed in this room,” he said, describing how these 240 indicators help the international community measure and assess SDG progress every year.

A professional community of solidarity, with a shared vision

As the UN Statistical Commission comes together this month, it will also discuss other important matters including the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, SDG indicators, environment and climate change statistics, environmental-economic accounting, household surveys, economic statistics, and many more topics.

Mr. Schweinfest described the privilege he feels, being part of the Commission’s work. “To look at this room full of people who’ve come to […] discuss these topics, that is always a fantastic feeling,” he said. “I look at us as a community of solidarity, a professional community with a shared vision,” he continued, stressing that it is all about ensuring data quality and reliability.

He also looked back at some major developments of the Commission’s work over the past 36 years. “It is a much bigger Commission,” he explained, sharing how there are many more countries participating. “Nowadays we have sessions with 120 and 140 countries […]. It has also become much bigger and broader in terms of topics,” he said, highlighting integrated economic and environmental statistics, as well as human rights and governance statistics, as some of the new areas covered by the Commission.

Mr. Schweinfest also highlighted that there are more interesting data sources these days, including private sector data, big data, citizen reported data, geographical and geospatial data.

As we wrapped up our interview in Conference Room 4 at UN Headquarters, or the Commission’s “natural habitat”, as Mr. Schweinfest described it, he concluded, “I’ve always considered that this is the best job in the universe.”

Be sure to follow Mr. Schweinfest and the action at the 56th Session of the UN Statistical Commission by tuning in to UN Web TV on 4-7 March 2025.

EXPERT VOICES

How the Development Cooperation Forum delivers SDG impact

This month, the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) will come together to discuss global financial architecture reforms and financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahead of the event, we spoke with Shari Spiegel, Director of UN DESA Financing for Sustainable Development Office, who highlighted the Forum’s significance in shaping international development cooperation and accelerating progress toward the goals.

What role does the Forum play in supporting other significant milestones for 2025?

“The DCF is particularly crucial this year as it will inform the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and the 2025 High-Level Political Forum—especially discussions on strengthening global financial architecture reforms and enhancing the means of implementations of the SDGs. More than just a policy dialogue, the 2025 DCF presents a key opportunity to ensure development cooperation delivers real, measurable results in line with country needs and priorities.”

What key issues will the Forum address this year?

“The 2025 Forum comes at a pivotal moment amid a lively global discourse on the importance of international development cooperation. With 600 million people still projected to live in extreme poverty by 2030 and an SDG financing gap of up to $4 trillion annually, discussions at the Forum will focus on making development cooperation more effective, inclusive, and responsive to country needs and priorities.

On day one, the Forum will explore how development cooperation can better respond to today’s challenges, balancing crisis response with long-term sustainable development. Discussions will also examine how development finance tools and instruments—such as grants, loans, and blended finance—can be adapted to better serve national development strategies. Strengthening country leadership and ownership in directing development efforts will also be a major theme.

On day two, the focus will shift to enhancing coordination among development partners, ensuring that cooperation is driven by national needs and priorities. The Forum will also explore ways to strengthen global and regional cooperation, making development efforts more cohesive and impactful.”

How does the Forum help advance the SDGs?

“A key discussion in the Forum will be how to ensure we advance all of the SDGs not just a select few, especially by balancing humanitarian aid with long-term development and climate adaptation. Experts will also address the growing fragmentation of development finance and strategies to ensure stronger collaboration across all actors.”

Learn more about the Development Cooperation Forum 2025, taking place on 12-13 March under the theme “Transforming International Development Cooperation: From Global Dialogue to Action,” here.

Things You Need To Know

5 reasons why the International Day of Forests matters

This year’s International Day of Forests highlights the vital role of forests in food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. This year’s theme, “Forests and Foods,” connects forests to global efforts to combat hunger, protect biodiversity, and address climate change. Here are 5 reasons why this year’s theme is so important.

1. Forests feed the world

Forests provide a variety of edible resources, from fruits, nuts, and seeds to wild game and mushrooms. More than five billion people depend on forests and non-timber products for food, medicine, and income.

2. Forests are key to achieving zero hunger

By sustaining pollinators, improving soil fertility, and regulating water cycles, forests enhance agricultural productivity. Agroforestry—a farming method that integrates trees and crops—can boost food security while preserving ecosystems.

3. Forest conservation is climate action

Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing billions of metric tonnes of CO₂ annually. Sustainable forest management helps mitigate climate change, protecting food systems from climate-related disasters like droughts and floods.

4. Forests maintain biodiversity and life on land

Forests host 80% of terrestrial species, supporting ecosystems that sustain healthy, resilient food systems. Protecting forests is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, preventing land degradation, and securing food sources.

5. Forests support livelihoods and local economies

Millions, especially Indigenous Peoples and rural communities, rely on forests for employment and income. Strengthening sustainable forest-based value chains—like non-timber forest products—improves economic resilience.

The International Day of Forests, observed annually on 21 March is led by the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, UN DESA, and FAO to raise awareness and promote sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all forests and trees for present and future generations. This year’s International Day of Forests reminds us that forests and food are deeply interconnected.

Join the conversation using #ForestDay and help advocate for sustainable forest management and food security for all! You can also join the event at UN Headquarters in-person or through UN WebTV.

UN DESA Voice February 2025: Putting people at the centre of development

Monthly Newsletter, Vol. 29, No.2 -February 2025

Strengthening solidarity and inclusion for social development

30 years ago, world leaders united around a groundbreaking commitment to put people at the centre of development. At the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, they pledged to eradicate poverty, promote social integration, and achieve full and productive employment for all.

Efforts to make this promise a reality continue. Every year at the Commission for Social Development, the international community gathers to accelerate the commitments made in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, while addressing emerging global challenges.

This year’s session will convene from 10 to 14 February in New York under the theme: “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

High-level panels and side events will bring together UN Member States, civil society, and experts to identify actionable strategies for building equitable and united societies.

As we approach the Second World Summit for Social Development taking place on 4-6 November in Doha, this year’s Commission highlights the importance of strengthening solidarity and social inclusion to achieve more cohesive societies, placing people at the centre of development. It is a call for renewed cooperation to ensure that no one is left behind in the global pursuit of social progress, justice and sustainable development.

As 2025 marks the 30th Anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, the Summit in Doha represents a pivotal moment for the global community to renew the commitment to inclusion, equality, and sustainability. It will be a chance to come together for a more resilient world, where everyone is included.

For more information: 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development

Expert Voices

“Partnering as equals in co-creating a better future”

Expert Voices

“We will not be able to make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals without […] a full sense of partnership,” said ECOSOC President Ambassador Bob Rae, as we spoke with him ahead of the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum on 5 February at UN Headquarters in New York. “The actual implementation of most of the agenda of the United Nations depends on the deep engagement and commitment of civil society.”

What does partnership mean to you?

“I think it means everything. One of the key lessons that I’ve learned over my political and diplomatic life is how to work in collaboration with Member States, with civil society representatives, and all kinds of groups and people who want to engage. It is really at the heart of ECOSOC’s mission.

The UN Charter makes it clear that we are the institution that has the primary responsibility for engagement with civil society. The record shows that our key role reflects the presence of many civil society organizations in the drafting process of the of the Charter itself, and in the hopes that people had for the UN organization as a body that would be operating on a different basis and with a different approach than the League of Nations.

For me, partnership means recognizing the legitimacy and the equality of civil society groups who are coming to engage with the organization about the work of the organization, and about the challenges facing the world. The reality of life is that we could not possibly deal with these challenges without the full engagement of civil society, labor organizations, business communities, and all kinds of non-governmental organizations.”

What advice would you give to emerging leaders looking to create impactful collaborations?

“The first advice is to be aware of the extent to which civic life in every country is driven, not just by political parties and by governments, but also by businesses, labor organizations, civil society organizations of every kind. They are an essential part of the activities of the United Nations.

Take for example the Sustainable Development Goals. We will not be able to make progress on the SDGs without them, without everybody, without a full sense of partnership. And it’s not just a matter of States listening and then saying thank you, we’ll go off and do what we’re going to do. No, the actual implementation of most of the agenda of the United Nations depends on the deep engagement and commitment of civil society.”

How do you address the power dynamics that can arise in partnerships, particularly between developed and developing countries?

“We need to appreciate that we’re the product of the end of these two horrific global conflicts – World War I and World War II. We are also the product of the critically important process of decolonization. It’s fair to say that although political decolonization has occurred, the necessary changes in economic systems, social structures, cultural perspectives, and attitudes are still far from fully realized.

I think we need a full appreciation of what it means to be an equal member of the global community. As sovereign states, we are all equal, but we’re also equal as human beings, and we’re equal, as all of us have as much right to be at the table as anybody else.

The principle of global solidarity, the principle of global equality, the principle that we’re all here together as every nation state and every part of the world has an equal right to be here.”

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work in advancing partnerships for sustainable development?

“The ECOSOC year with real public engagement starts in February and lasts until July. During that period, we have a key opportunity to engage with civil society on some very important issues around the Sustainable Development Goals and how we can create more dynamism behind those goals. I think it’s critically important for us to really focus on the goals as the overarching theme of everything that we try to do.

Within those goals to emphasize a few things that matter for me. The issue of displacement and the issue of the impact of war and conflict and climate change on people, is something that we need to better understand. We have more people who are displaced and who are living in refugee camps of one kind or another around the world, than we’ve had since 1945. We have a greater human challenge here and sometimes we say, well, that’s a Geneva issue, it’s a UNHCR issue. No, it’s a global issue.

The other one is the impact of artificial intelligence as it is now clearly affecting our economies, our life, and our work. We’re just beginning to understand better how impactful the development of these new technologies is going to be on our countries.

As we navigate these shifts, it is essential to approach this in a spirit that reinforces the fundamental equality between men and women, and between all those who are working in the world, and that we need to break down barriers and sources of discrimination between us.

This mindset must guide us as we move from the Partnership Forum to more detailed and expert panels on tax matters, accountability and a whole range of other topics. It also underpins our engagement in milestone public events like the Commission on the Status of Women, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Youth Forum, the High-level Political Forum and […] some other events that are happening like the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha.

These are all part of the ways of recommitting to the Pact for the Future and to the agreements that we made last year with respect to how we go forward.

One of the things that I learned during my work in government, is about the importance of making people feel that they are co-creating policy or co-creating legislation. How can we really commit as equals to co-create the progress we need to make? This is something that the Partnership Forum is all about. A meeting of partnership, based on a relationship between equals who are co-creating a better future.”

The 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum will focus on the 2025 ECOSOC and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” placing a special emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will be reviewed at the 2025 HLPF, namely Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being); Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); Goal 14 (Life Below Water); and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Follow the UN ECOSOC President on social media, via Instagram and X, and be sure to sign up for the ECOSOC Newsletter here.

Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Things You Need To Know

Promotional image for World Economic Situation and Prospects Report

“Let’s make 2025 the year we put the world on track for a prosperous and sustainable future,” urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as UN DESA released its global economic outlook last month in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025. Here are 6 things you should know about the global economy:

1. Global economic growth remains below the pre-pandemic average.
The report projects global economic growth to remain at 2.8 per cent in 2025, below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2 per cent. While easing inflation and monetary easing offer some respite, challenges such as trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and elevated debt burdens threaten the outlook.

2. Regional growth prospects vary widely.
East and South Asia will remain global growth drivers in 2025, with projected expansions of 4.7 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively. Africa’s growth is forecast to improve slightly to 3.7 per cent but is restrained by high debt costs and climate-related challenges.

3. The outlook is precarious for many countries.
Many vulnerable economies are seeing downward revisions to their growth outlook, which remains well below pre-pandemic trends. This weak performance is compounding risks to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with progress in reducing poverty continuing to be slow and uneven.

4. Falling inflation creates room for monetary easing, though challenges persist.
Global inflation is projected to decline further, from 4 per cent in 2024 to 3.4 per cent in 2025, offering relief to households and businesses. However, many developing countries continue to grapple with elevated inflation, particularly in food prices.

5. Governments are adopting gradual fiscal consolidation to improve debt sustainability and rebuild fiscal space.
Fiscal pressures are particularly severe in Africa, where rising debt-servicing burdens are increasingly diverting resources away from essential public services and investment. On a GDP-weighted basis, African governments allocated 27 per cent of revenues to interest payments in 2024, up from 19 per cent in 2019 and 7 per cent in 2007.

6. Critical minerals play a vital role in advancing the energy transition and supporting sustainable development.
Resource-rich developing countries can benefit from rising global demand for critical minerals to create jobs and boost sustainable development. “Critical minerals have immense potential to accelerate sustainable development, but only if managed responsibly,” according to Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

Learn more in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 here.

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Read more here: UNDESAVoice

Masdar enters Philippines renewables market

ABU DHABI, 16th January, 2025 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has announced its entry into the Philippines market, signing agreements with the government of the Philippines to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of clean energy projects to strengthen its growing portfolio in Southeast Asia.

The Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Investments of the Republic of the Philippines covers the development of solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a total capacity of up to 1GW by 2030.

The signing ceremony of both agreements was witnessed by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines.

The Implementation Agreement was signed by Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy, and Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, with the MoU exchanged between the Ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, and Masdar’s CEO.

The agreement, which will support the Philippines Energy Transition Programme to achieve 35 percent renewable energy in power generation by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, operationalises the MoU on Energy Transition Cooperation signed in November 2024 between the Philippines and the UAE during the working visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the country, which identified renewable energy as an area of collaboration.

Dr. Al Jaber said, “This partnership marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the Philippines. By leveraging the UAE’s world-class expertise in renewable energy and the Philippines’ abundant natural resources, this agreement will create jobs, drive low-carbon socio-economic progress and expand global renewable energy capacity in line with the UAE Consensus.”

Lotilla commented, “Building on the long-standing ties between our nations and the recent Energy Transition Cooperation agreement, we welcome Masdar’s proven leadership and expertise in delivering utility-scale renewable energy solutions. This collaboration will significantly advance our goal of achieving 35 percent renewable energy in power generation by 2030.”

Secretary Lotilla further emphasised that the landmark partnership underscores the Philippines’ commitment to a clean energy future.

By integrating renewable energy into the country’s energy mix on an unprecedented scale, the Administration of President Marcos Jr. is enhancing energy security while laying a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

With Masdar’s support, the Philippines is setting a new benchmark for energy transition in the region.

Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary at the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry and Board of Investments Managing Head, commented, “It is inspiring to witness the strengthening of the bilateral relations between our countries, following the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos to UAE last year and a series of reciprocal ministerial missions thereafter.

The partnership with Masdar is a testament to our mutual commitment to fostering a dynamic and sustainable economic future, and our shared vision for economic sustainability and prosperity. This aligns seamlessly with the Philippine strategy to position ourselves as a smart and sustainable hub for manufacturing and services in Southeast Asia.”

He added, “The Philippines is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector. Masdar’s own planned renewables projects will contribute to accelerating sustainable economic growth in the different regions in the Philippines, and will especially complement our infrastructure development initiatives within the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) — Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas — which is being developed as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and logistics.

“The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Board of Investments, will be Masdar’s staunch partner. Together with Masdar, we give our unwavering commitment to fostering a greener and more resilient future for the Philippines.”

Al Ramahi welcomed the announcement as a significant expansion of Masdar’s activities in Southeast Asia, a key strategic market in its ongoing efforts to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 100GW by 2030.

“With our proven success in implementing large-scale renewable energy projects in the region and worldwide, we look forward to utilising our expertise and experience to support the Philippines in meeting its ambitious renewable energy goals,” he added.

The agreement marks Masdar’s entry into the renewables sector in the Philippines. Southeast Asia is a key investment destination for Masdar.

The company has developed the region’s largest floating solar facility in Indonesia – the 145MW Cirata Floating Solar PV plant – which is generating enough electricity to power 50,000 homes.

In February 2023, it entered the geothermal energy sector through a strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy.

Masdar also signed a landmark agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023 for the development of 10GW of clean energy projects across the country.

By RM / ES

International Day of Clean Energy 26 January

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather.
Photo:Raphael Pouget/UNICEF

Clean energy: for all…
Energy lies at the core of a double challenge: leaving no one behind and protecting the Planet. And clean energy is crucial to its solution.

In a world grappling with climate change, clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions, and can also benefit communities lacking access to reliable power sources. Still today, 685 million people live in the dark – more than 80 per cent of them in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The connection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial in addressing issues faced by vulnerable communities worldwide.

For populations without clean energy access, the lack of reliable power hinders education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and many of these developing regions still rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels for their daily life, perpetuating poverty. If current trends continue, by 2030 around 1.8 billion people will still use unsafe, unhealthy and inefficient cooking systems, such as burning wood or dung.

Although this situation has generally been improving, the most recent figures show that the number of people without electricity actually increased by 10 million in 2022, as population growth outpaced progress. The world is not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.

… and for our planet
But adopting clean energy is integral to the fight against climate change, as well.

A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the Sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) to generate electricity and heat.

The science is clear: to limit climate change, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable. Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

At the same time, improving energy efficiency is key. Using less energy for the same output – through more efficient technologies in the transport, building, lighting, and appliances sectors for instance: saves money, cuts down on carbon pollution, and helps ensure universal access to sustainable energy for all.

Background

The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly (resolution A/77/327) as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions, serve as a platform for international cooperation, and provide data and analyses on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment.

Did you know?
Coal, oil, and gas (fossil fuels) are responsible for nearly 90% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Scientists emphasize the need to cut emissions by almost half by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Fossil fuels still dominate global energy production, but renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal, now power about 29% of electricity worldwide.

Read more here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-d

UN DESA Voice January 2025: Milestone events to advance sustainable development

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, VOL 29, NO. 1 – JANUARY 2025

3 milestone moments in 2025 to shape our sustainable future

While we’ve just counted down to a new year, another clock continues to tick: for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025 – the 80th anniversary of the United Nations – UN DESA will continue accelerating progress by bringing the international community together, by building capacity on the ground and by providing essential data through our flagship publications. Here are some milestone moments to follow in 2025.

EXPERT VOICES

Behind the numbers of a new report on the global economy

On 9 January, UN DESA will release the 2025 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, presenting the latest forecast for the global economy. What makes this edition different from other reports covering the global economy and what can we expect from it this year? We spoke with Katarzyna Rokosz and Zhenqian Huang – members of the WESP team – to find out.

UN DESA Voice December 2024: Building our digital future together

Building our digital future together

There is now little distinction between our offline and online lives. The Internet and digital technologies are so woven into the everyday fabric of societies that losing access—or trust—can feel like the ground shifting beneath us. Yet, 2.6 billion remain offline, left out of opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth.

Those who are online face growing threats to their privacy, security, and rights, while rapid changes driven by AI create uncertainty and unease about the future.

This December in Riyadh, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) convened by the UN Secretary-General will address these issues head-on. The aim? To build a digital ecosystem that works for everyone, everywhere, based on multistakeholder exchanges among diverse communities navigating digital transformation.

Questions like how digital tools can foster peace and sustainability, how we close the connectivity gap, how we mainstream human rights across the digital landscape, and how we ensure AI serves society—not exploits it—are on the agenda. Whether they are government ministers, legislators, youth activists or technical experts, participants come to the IGF as equals. The Forum will foster actionable policy recommendations and deliver impactful messages worldwide.

This year’s Forum comes at a pivotal moment, just months after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which envisions a safer, fairer digital future, and ahead of the WSIS+20 Review in 2025, which will set out new targets for digital development and governance. Both frameworks emphasize the same core idea: digital technologies should be people-centred and approached cooperatively.

As socioeconomic and digital trajectories become interlinked, the need for risk mitigation is clear. But so, too, is the need to tap into the vast ocean of digital possibilities that will help translate technological progress into progress for people and planet.

The IGF holds out promise that global governance and cooperation, harnessing digital solutions for the climate crisis, and combatting threats like misinformation and disinformation – just some of the topics that will be discussed in Riyadh – are all possible.

For more information: Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

Expert Voices

Reflections from the SDG Pavilion at COP29

The SDG Pavilion organized by UN DESA on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference has become an annual stop for many interested in climate and SDG synergies. We spoke with two veterans of the past six SDG Pavilions—Ariel Alexovich, Sustainable Development Officer in UN DESA’s Office of the Under-Secretary-General, and Nadine Salame, Senior Programme Management Assistant in the Division for Sustainable Development Goals—about their recent experience at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Set the scene for us: What was the energy like at COP29 and the SDG Pavilion?

AA: “Truly, the energy was fantastic. People were very positive and seemed very happy to see us representing the SDGs with our colourful branding and full programme connecting the world’s climate work with its sustainable development work.

That said, the workday could be quite chaotic. Each day there were multiple sources demanding your attention at once. For instance, there’s the tech team you’ve just met and are trying to get up to speed, there are partners from the event currently on stage asking for a new microphone, there are people from the next event asking about their upcoming PowerPoint, all the while you’re taking photos, distributing headphones to the audience, and fielding hundreds of requests for free SDG pins—it’s a lot. Fortunately, we have each other to rely upon for support.”

There was a vibrant array of voices represented. Can you tell us about the diversity of perspectives and how they enriched conversations?

NS: “With more than 300 applications for about 50 slots, we were grateful that our partners saw the value in holding their events at the SDG Pavilion. Of course we have a good number of UN DESA-led events, but we open our stage to Member States, partners in the UN system and other stakeholders including youth groups and Indigenous organizations.

We especially enjoy working on the SDG Pavilion because we get to work with different teams across UN DESA. Over the years we’ve had events highlighting the special climate challenges facing small island developing States, forests, sustainable transport, climate finance and the climate impacts related to population growth, among others. This year, the special Forest Pavilion was hosted within the SDG Pavilion, making the conversations even more enriching, lively and diverse.”

What were some memorable moments that stood out to you?

NS: “Even though we prepare for the SDG Pavilion for months, a lot of the memorable things happen the day before COP starts, during the set-up. Every year we get to the venue and see firsthand what we’re working with. This year, we had a beautiful booth in a prime location next to UNFCCC and near the host country. However, we were missing a wall, some artwork and the label that actually said, “SDG Pavilion.” So, we do a lot of troubleshooting.

I will also remember Baku. It’s a beautiful city and the COP was very well organized in terms of reliable transport shuttles and very little security queues. We had some excellent meals in the city, too. “

AA: “For sure, I will remember the people we met, like our crew on the ground from India and Germany, and some of the SDG Pavilion visitors who traded pins with us, especially these three women from Uganda with whom I really made a connection.

Otherwise, some highlights were USG Li Junhua’s engagements in the Pavilion on the first day, and I enjoyed interviewing the Special Envoy for the Ocean, several Resident Coordinators, and explorer Bertrand Piccard in our social media space.”

Watch the events broadcast on UN DESA’s YouTube platform here.

A recap of events can also be obtained via the SDG Pavilion newsletter here.

Photo credit: UN DESA

Things You Need To Know

5 things to know about the leadership of persons with disabilities
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On 3 December, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The commemoration will highlight the strides made and the challenges ahead. Here are 5 things you should know about the leadership of persons with disabilities:

1. The leadership of persons with disabilities is based on the principle of “nothing about us without us”

This phrase highlights the crucial need for their participation, representation and inclusion. It emphasizes the importance of their active involvement in decision-making processes to influence the conditions affecting their lives, ensuring that policies and initiatives consider their viewpoints and priorities.

2. Over the years, persons with disabilities and organizations representing them have led important community-driven efforts

These initiatives aim not only to advocate for their rights and well-being but also to promote inclusive development. By using both specific and general approaches, they help improve universal access to essential services and resources. Recent global climate change conferences have demonstrated a growing advocacy for disability inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities, especially youth with disabilities, in climate action.

3. The global disability rights movement has achieved significant milestones, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and UN Security Council Resolution 2475

The CRPD is especially important because it incorporates development objectives for persons with disabilities into international human rights frameworks and highlights their leadership in creating this treaty. Resolution 2475 was the first instance where the Security Council focused on the protection and circumstances of persons with disabilities in peace and security situations, highlighting their crucial impact on shaping international policy.

4. The Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 offers opportunities to enhance leadership among people with disabilities.

The Summit aims to address social development gaps, revitalize the 2030 Agenda, and stress the importance of including persons with disabilities in achieving sustainable peace and development. This year, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”, calling upon Member States, the UN system and other partners to promote the participation and perspectives of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and continue to advance disability inclusion across the pillars of the UN’s work.

5. Leadership will be front and center at the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On 3 December, 2024, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The commemoration at UN Headquarters in New York will highlight the strides made and the challenges ahead, including upcoming key global milestones like the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025. By harnessing the leadership of persons with disabilities, we can advance towards a future that ensures sustainable peace and inclusive development for all.

For more information: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Photo Credit: UNDP/Duško Miljanić

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